title: Alfentanil-oxygen anaesthesia for coronary artery surgery.
abstract: The anaesthétic properties of alfentanil were evaluated in 15 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting operations. Alfentanil was infused at a rate of 3.0mg min-1 until the patients (breathing pure oxygen) became unconscious. Additional alfentanil 2.5-5.0mg i.v. was given if systolic arterial pressure increased by 15% or more from control values. Alfentanil produced unconsciousness in 75 +/- 18s, but muscle rigidity occurred in 27% of patients. Cardiovascular dynamics were minimally altered during the induction of anaesthesia and throughout most of the operation, although 60% of patients became hypertensive during sternotomy and 73% during sternal spread. Recovery from anaesthesia was rapid with patients regaining consciousness after 1.4 +/- 0.6h and fulfilling out criteria for extubation of the trachea 4.1 +/- 1.2h after operation. No patient was aware of laryngoscopy, endotracheal intubation or any aspect of the operation.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015760:Alfentanil; D000771:Anesthesia, Intravenous; D000777:Anesthetics; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010100:Oxygen
chemical_list: D000777:Anesthetics; D015760:Alfentanil; D010100:Oxygen; D005283:Fentanyl